"You're Ivy, right?" asked the Lux doll. Ruby and Ivy had finished their night's work and were preparing to leave. "Blossom mentioned you a couple of times."
"Yes. What's your name?" Ivy asked. The doll smiled.
"I'm Belle," she said. Why did that name sound so familiar to Ivy? Maybe Blossom had told her about Belle, and she just couldn't remember when.
"Nice to meet you." Was all Ivy said. Belle seemed nice and it was always helpful to befriend Lux dolls.
"Be careful heading home, you guys," Lu called to them. Ivy stopped dead in her tracks. It had been such a crazy and stressful day that she had almost forgotten to pass on Blossom's warning to Lu.
"Oh, there's something you should know. Blossom told me that she heard two dolls from her apartment talking. They might have seen Ruby and me sneaking out." There, Ivy had remembered. A frown spread across Lu's face.
"I see. If you feel like it's too risky, don't visit. Also, if either of you get the sense that you're being followed, turn around, got it?" said Lu.
"Got it," Ruby and Ivy said together. The two dolls headed out into the dark streets, sticking close together as they did so.
"Are you feeling a little bit better?" asked Ruby.
"I am. Not perfect. But better." Ivy meant it. She felt as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. The sparkling glass around her seemed beautiful once again. She could enjoy the beauty of the pale moonlight that added a magical blue glow to everything around her. Things were far from perfect, but at least she knew that she wasn't alone. Ruby was by her side. Mia was waiting for her at home. Ivy wasn't alone.
"I don't know if I ever thanked you," she said softly.
"Thanked me for what?" asked Ruby.
"Thanked you for encouraging me."
"Oh, you don't have to thank me for that. Besides, I owe you for helping me out. Moving to the city has been quite the adjustment for me. But it's been easier thanks to you," said Ruby. Ivy smiled at her. It felt good to be happy. Ivy needed to let herself feel happy more often. They were on break. This was the best time to relax and enjoy life. She had to remember that.
The girls walked the rest of the way in silence, staying close to each other and listening carefully for any strange sounds. But they heard none. The whole city seemed to be fast asleep. But this wasn't a stillness that made Ivy feel uneasy. In fact, she was grateful for the stillness. It made her feel safe. If only for a little while, the world seemed to be at peace. They walked quickly and soon arrived back at their own apartment.
There, to Ivy's shock and surprise, she saw Mia. The child was sitting in the street, right in front of their apartment. She wasn't doing anything. She was just sitting there, gazing up into the sky with a look of pure hopelessness in her eyes.
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"Mia!" Ivy cried out, rushing to the child's side. "What are you doing out here?"
"I-I woke up and you weren't there! I couldn't find you anywhere," Mia gasped out. There was so, so much fear on her little face. Looking into her eyes was actively painful for Ivy.
"I'm here now. It's okay, I've got you," she whispered, lifting the child into her arms.
"I was so scared! I didn't know where to go or what to do, Ivy!"
"I know, I'm sorry. Don't be frightened. Everything is alright. You don't have to worry anymore, Mia." She could feel Mia's tiny body slowly relaxing.
"Poor baby," Ruby whispered. "We've got you, Mia."
"Please don't leave ever again, Ivy! I need you here with me!" Mia went on. But she fell silent and became still as Ivy carried her up the stairs and down the hall. "Can I please sleep with you tonight?"
"Yes, of course," Ivy whispered.
"Don't go away again without telling me!" Mia said. Ivy's grip on her tightened. This was her fault. She should have thought of Mia before heading out. Mia had just looked so peaceful and still during her nap. Ivy hadn't had it in herself to wake the slumbering child. Well, now she knew better, and she was never going to do that to poor little Mia ever again. They snuggled up close to each other. Ivy didn't dare close her eyes until she heard Mia snoring softly beside her. Just because Ivy was working with Lu, that didn't give her an excuse to neglect Mia.
Mia always needed to be priority number one. Her small, soft snores were such a soothing sound to fall asleep to. Ivy could remember the first time that she met Mia. It was strange to think there had been a time when Ivy hadn't even known who she was. The day that Ivy had first met Mia was so far the best day of her life. How strange it was to look back now. Ivy had had no idea just how much one day could change her whole life.
"Did you get your supplies?" Ivy asked again. The child didn't answer. She just stared up at Ivy as if she were some kind of alien. "Hello there? Hey, I'm talking to you." Still no reply from the kid. Ivy glanced around. Nobody was standing near the kid. She had never seen a doll who looked this young. In fact, she hadn't known that there had been dolls this little. It didn't seem like this child had anyone with her. Ivy tried softening her voice. She wasn't sure if the kid was shy or frightened or something else. "What's your name?" Still no answer. Ivy was starting to run out of patience. There were other dolls who needed her help, and this little girl was wasting all of her time. "Don't you have a name?" Ivy demanded. At that, the little girl's whole face lit up and she began laughing.
"Of course I have a name, silly! Everyone has a name! It's on my necklace. My name is Mia!" said Mia.
"Alright. Do you have your supplies, Mia?"
"No. I couldn't find them."
"Why didn't you just say so? Come on, let's find them." Mia was right. There appeared to be a few supplies missing. This was a problem. Ivy would have to contact Mary about this. But the next game was about to start. What could she do? Ivy glanced down at the little girl. The child was still smiling. Her eyes shone as she looked around at everything around her. It was like she was completely unaware of the danger that was creeping up on them.
"Alright then. We'll share. You'll stick with me during this first round. Okay, Mia?" Ivy suggested. This might not be the smartest thing she had ever done. But this kid would be shattered in a matter of seconds without something to protect her. The thought of this child being shattered was just a little bit too much.
"O-okay!" Mia said. She sounded so excited. What world was this kid from? Well, Ivy could take care of her for this one round and that would be it.